Whenever people are thinking about planning the best vacation ever, at least one island in the Caribbean is on the list. One of the reasons for this, is the fact that the Caribbean checks all of the boxes for a memorable holiday in the sun.
You can travel to the Caribbean from anywhere in the world; the islands appeal to all types of travellers; and there are many resorts, hotels, and other types of accommodation to choose from. And, of course, the destinations are stunning!
But did you know that the most beautiful places in the world are in the Caribbean? We searched high and low to put together this amazing list of must-see places in the Caribbean. Historic architecture, natural habitats, hidden caves, beaches, and underwater wonders are only a few of the recommendations on this list.
Here’s a sneak peak at the Caribbean’s most beautiful places:
- Anguilla: Meads Bay Beach
- Bonaire: Lac Bay Mangroves
- Curacao: Queen Emma Bridge
- Dominican Republic: Larimar Mines (Barahona)
- Guadeloupe: Guadeloupe National Park
- Jamaica: Oracabessa Bay
- Martinique: Diamond Rock
- Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay (Vieques)
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines: La Soufriere Volcano
- Trinidad & Tobago: Kelleston Drain
Anguilla: Meads Bay Beach
If you are visiting Anguilla, you have to spend a couple days at the beach. Meads Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Anguilla. Located on the west coast of Anguilla, the beach has soft, silky, white sand; clean and clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling; and an array of restaurants for a lunch time meal.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Meads Bay Beach
Although the beach is the star attractions, other attractions that are close to Meads Bay Beach include many restaurants, beach clubs and an art gallery.
Where to Stay in Meads Bay Beach
Everyone wants to take advantage of the awesome ocean views across the bay. Thankfully there are different types of accommodations close to Meads Bay Beach, where you can be as close to the water as possible. Places to stay in the area include:
- Four Seasons Resort & Residences
- Frangipani Beach Resort
- Jasmine Villa
- Kishti Villa at Meads Bay East
- Kishti Villa at Meads Bay West
- Malliouhana Auberge Resorts Collection
- Meads Bay Beach Villas
- The Beach House
- Tranquility Beach Anguilla
- Turtle’s Nest Beach Resort
- Villa Soleil
- Zebra Villa
Bonaire: Lac Bay Mangroves
Can you picture yourself sailing along crystal clear waters through a natural canopy of mangrove trees? This is the therapeutic experience at Lac Bay in Bonaire. Visitors can take explore the mangrove channels on solar powered kayaks. These two-hour tours are guided excursions which also include snorkelling and guidance by trained naturalists.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Lac Bay
In addition to touring the mangroves at Lac Bay, visitors can partake in a number of other activities in the area. For example, Lac Bay is one of the top windsurfing destinations in the Caribbean. It hosts international windsurfing competitions and there are windsurfing businesses that sell windsurfing supplies and give lessons. Attractions in the area include Jibe City, flamingo tours, and catamaran cruises.
Where to Stay in Lac Bay
If you prefer to be close to the action at Lac Bay, you can stay at one of these places:
- Beach Studio Spock at Lac Bay
- BonBon Apartments
- Caribbean Chillout Apartments
- Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort
- D’obi Homes
- Lac Bay Villa
- Red Palm Village
- Sorobon Boutique Hotel
Curacao: Queen Emma Bridge
This attraction in Curacao is one of the most photographed images and possibly one of the most popular images in the world. The Queen Emma Bridge is a functional pontoon bridge that links areas of the capital city. This engineering wonder was originally built in 1939 and has been updated over the years. The views of the historic architecture in Willemstad makes this bridge one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful places.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Willemstad
Because the Queen Emma Bridge is located in the heart of the capital city, there are many nearby attractions. Some of the popular points of interest in Willemstad are Fort Amsterdam, the sundial, the Statue of Thanks, and Queen Wilhelmina Park. To take advantage of the town, visitors should take a walking tour which will also take them along the scenic waterfront boardwalk.
Where to Stay in Willemstad
Thanks in part to a number of attractions and activities, there are many places to stay in Willemstad, Curacao. Some of the closest accommodations to the Queen Emma Bridge are:
- Bario Hotel
- Brion City Hotel, BW Signature Collection
- Catherine Suites
- City Suites & Beach Hotel
- Curacao Suites Hotel
- Pietermaai Boutique Hotel
- Port View Apartments at Handelskade
- Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
- San Marco Hotel & Casino
- Wynwood Boutique Hotel Curacao
Dominican Republic: Larimar Mines (Barahona)
Barahona is said to have to the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The waters are a stunning shade of cerulean blue, which appears to match the colour of the semi-precious gemstone larimar. The Larimar Mines is the only area in the world where these gems have been found to date. Tours of the mines include an exploration of the site and observing miners at work.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Barahona
The city of Barahona where the Larimar Mines are located is a naturally rich area with deposits of bauxite, rock salt, gypsum and onyx. There are also historic architectural sites which include the Triumphal Arch, the Cathedral of Barahona and a 19th century Fire Station. Visitors can also take a zip line adventure and canopy tour, and hike through the mountains of Bahoruco.
Where to Stay in Barahona
Barahona is a beach-side town in the Dominican Republic, and as a result, there are many places to stay that close to the beach. Some of the hotels in Barahona are:
- Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge
- Casa del Mar Lodge Barahona
- Ecovilla Coral Garden
- Hotel Al Mare
- Hotel Caribe
- Hotel El Quemaito
- Hotel Loro Tuerto
- Hotel Playazul
- Oasi Encantada Beach Resort
- Platon Ecolodge
Guadeloupe: Guadeloupe National Park
The Guadeloupe National Park in Basse-Terre is a national treasure that all naturalists and nature lovers should visit at least once in their lifetime. Highlights of the park are its rainforest, biological diversity, hiking trails and waterfalls. Extreme adventurers can go rappelling and try climbing to the top of La Soufriere. La Soufriere is an active stratovolcano the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Basse-Terre
There are many things to do in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. In addition to spending time at the Guadeloupe National Park, guests can tour Les Bieres de la Lezarde brewery and the Distillerie Longueteau distillery; explore the Bassin Paradise and Carbet Falls; and go canyoning, rappelling and camping in Guadeloupe’s off-the grid nature spots.
Where to Stay in Basse-Terre
The national park takes up a large area of the southern portion of Guadeloupe. As a result, many of the resorts and hotels are closer to the coastlines. But there may be one or two places to stay closer to the environs of the park.
- Bungalow Fleur de Café
- Habitation Cantamerle
- Habitation Getz
- Habitation Saint Charles
- Hôtel Saint-Georges
- La Sucrerie du Comte
- Les Fruits de Goyave
- Paradis Tropical
- Villa Barthélemy
- Village O Ti Bouboul
Jamaica: Oracabessa Bay
Oracabessa Bay is luxury oasis in the north of Jamaica. One of the highlights of this peaceful town is the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary, which protects the area’s marine ecosystem. In Oracabessa, one will also find the Golden Eye luxury resort, which just happens to be the former home of James Bond creator, Ian Fleming.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Oracabessa
Oracabessa is one of the most popular set jetting locations in Jamaica. Although you may be tempted to spend days on end on James Bond Beach, find the strength to explore the area and get a feel for the island’s culture. Some of the attractions in the nearby Ocho Rios include the Tajmahal Shopping Centre, Wassi Art Pottery Works, Dunn’s River Falls and James Street.
Where to Stay in Oracabessa
Because Oracabessa is largely owned by locals, there are no large resort chains or brands, but instead there are smaller establishments. You will find two hotels in the area – Golden Eye and Golden Clouds, but you can always opt for a hotel in Ocho Rios. Here are a few suggestions:
- Bessa Living – Villas and Condos
- Gibraltar Heights
- Golden Clouds
- Golden Eye
- Green’s Palace Jamaica
- Halo & Isaiah’s Guesthouse & Hostel
- Oracabessa
- Oracabessa Hill Cottage
- Rica Vista
- Villa Sake
Martinique: Diamond Rock
There are two main reasons why diamonds are highly sought-after natural gems. It’s because they are naturally beautiful and rare. Similarly, Diamond Rock in Martinique carriers the same allure as high-value diamonds. This small uninhabited island is a beautiful volcanic rock that is shaped like a rare, uncut diamond. The rock is 175 meters above sea level and is believed to have been a shelter for pirates and a fortress during battles between the French and English.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Le Diamant
Although Diamond Rock is not easily accessible, it is a beautiful gem in the Caribbean Sea. The closest town to Diamond Rock is Le Diamant, which is less than two miles away. Visitors who stay in the area should visit the Bernard David museum, Grande Anse Beach, the Cap 110 memorial at Caffard Cove and Larcher Hill, an extinct volcano.
Where to Stay in Le Diamant
Although the town of Le Diamant is not within the immediate environs of the capital city Fort de France, it is a popular southern escape with beautiful beaches. Here are a few suggestions for hotels in the south of Martinique:
- Alyzes Diamant
- Black Diamond
- Habitation La Chery
- Hôtel Villa Domaine de la Palmeraie
- Kaz O’Rocher Sea View Apartments
- La Villa Diamant
- Martinique Diamant
- Résidence Hôtelière Diamant Beach
- Résidence Plein Sud
- Villa Bel’vue
Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay (Vieques)
Another magical site on this list of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean is Mosquito Bay in Vieques. Contrary to popular belief, this body of water is not full of mosquitos; instead, it is marine ecosystem with a dinoglagellate called Pyrodinium Bahamense. The amazing thing about this species is that it glows and thus results in the bioluminescence of the bay. Although there are many bioluminescent bays in the world, Mosquito Bay is the brightest of them all. This is because the bay has the largest concentration of the organisms. In fact, the bay holds the title of brightest bay in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Vieques
Vieques is six miles off the south-east coast of Puerto Rico. The small island is home to 10,000 people and measures 21 miles wide and 5 miles long. Travellers can take a ferry or plane to get to the island. In addition to touring Mosquito Bay, guests can go cycling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and horseback riding.
Where to Stay in Vieques
There are a variety of accommodation options for long stay visitors on the island. Many of them are unique and range from luxury villas to budget friendly inns. See the top places to stay in Vieques below:
- Bravo Beach Hotel
- El Blok- Waterfront Hotel
- Finca Victoria
- Hacienda Tamarindo
- Hix Island House
- Malecon House
- The Casita at Encantanda Vieques
- The Villa at Encantada Vieques
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: La Soufriere Volcano
Even though the surrounding islands are still cooling from the most recent eruption in 2021, the La Soufriere Volcano is an intriguing site in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In fact, it’s along one of the most popular cross-country trails in St. Vincent. Although the trail is free, you must be accompanied by certified tour guide.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Soufriere
Soufriere is one of the best natural areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As a result, the surrounding landscape provides a number of activities and attractions that pay homage to Mother Nature. Visitors to the area can experience the Dark View Falls, the Falls of Baleine, the stunning black sand beach Mt. Wynne, Wallilabou Heritage Park and Black Point Tunnel.
Where to Stay in Soufriere
Although most of the hotels in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are not in the immediate environs of the volcano, it’s possible to find a few properties just on the outskirts and in the south of St. Vincent. Visitors can book a tour that will take them to the La Soufriere Volcano.
- Beachcombers Hotel
- Blue Lagoon Hotel & Marina
- Burcasa bnb
- Calliandras Apartment Complex
- Eco Bay Guesthouse
- Grenadine House
- Richmond Vale Diving & Hiking Center
- Royal Bliss Apartment Suites
- Waves Villa Guest House
Trinidad & Tobago: Kelleston Drain
Kelleston Drain is one of the best places to dive in Trinidad and Tobago. Also known as Kelleston Deep or Little Tobago Drift, this diver’s paradise is a long plain of coral that is approximately 10 feet high and 16 feet wide with the world’s largest brain coral. The surrounding reefs are colourful and active with sea fans, sponges, morays, manta rays and nurse sharks.
Nearby Activities and Attractions in Tobago
Tobago may be tiny, but it’s one of the biggest tiny islands that you will ever visit. Sister island to Trinidad, Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful places. Some of the must-experience attractions and activities are visiting the Argyle Waterfall; chilling at Pigeon Point Beach; touring Fort King George; and riding horses at Buccoo Bay.
Where to Stay in Tobago
Kelleston Drain is in the northeast of Tobago, just off an area known as Speyside. There are a few places to stay in the surrounding districts that visitors can choose from. However, if you prefer, you can book a hotel in Tobago’s southern region and organise a diving tour to Kelleston with a diving company. Here are a few places to research:
- Bacolet Beach Club
- Bella Vista Cottage Tobago
- Blue Waters Inn
- Cholsonchalets
- Sandy Point Beach Club
- Sea View Guest House
- Speyside Inn
- Tony’s Offgrid Cabin Getaway
- Top Ranking Hill View Guesthouse
- VHL Tobago Golf & Spa Resort